Cantieri Estensi 535 Maine to debut at Cannes

The 535 Maine is latest semi-displacement trawler model from Cantieri Estensi, which should be making its debut at the 2016 Cannes Boat Show.

By Alex Smith

June 24, 2016

Italian yard, Cantieri Estensi, is continuing its drive toward a revamped fleet with a new 17-metre motor cruiser.

Although it is best known as a builder of classical motoryachts from 10 to 20 metres in length, the acquisition of the shipyard in 2015 by the Garlini family set in motion a radical product restyling process - and the latest manifestation of that is the 535 Maine.

The 535 Maine is the latest step in the reinvention of the Estensi fleet.

Like the best-selling 530 Maine upon which it is based, this semi-displacement trawler is optimised for long, comfortable cruises, but while it retains the key assets of that model, it also offers some carefully selected updates. With design input from Maurizio Zuccheri Yacht Design, this 12-man, Category-A cruiser uses vacuum infusion in the build process to reduce weight, improve the cleanliness of the lines and generate maximum inboard space. Conviviality, hospitality and “liveability” are apparently the core design cues and the result of that is a platform that combines a dinette in the sheltered aft cockpit with a wide, accommodating flybridge for alfresco entertainment whatever the weather.

The internal spaces are also impressively customisable, with two different layouts, flexibility in the placement of the galley and a variety of fabrics and furniture options. Down below, you get bright and comfortable sleeping for six in three cabins and with twin Volvo Penta D6-435 diesel engines, the keen cruiser can expect a top speed of 25 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots and a range of 1,000 nautical miles at 8 to 9 knots.

Mattia Garlini, Product Manager at Cantieri Estensi, is keenly aware of the significance of the new boat: "This is an important moment for us, since the launch of the 535 Maine represents the first concrete sign of our intervention within the company. It represents both our attachment to the Cantieri Estensi brand and its tradition, and the enthusiasm to take the chance and go back into business. That very attitude is what made possible the shipyard relaunch.”

If you want to witness this new vessel first-hand, it is due to make its debut appearance in September 2016 at the Cannes Boat Show.